The agency plans to continue purchasing such machines
Moscow. December 17. INTERFAX-The first 10 Mi-8AMTSh-VN attack transport helicopters for special forces will enter service with the Russian army in 2021, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexey Krivoruchko said.
"As for the Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopter, we plan to further conclude contracts for this series," said Krivoruchko, who was quoted in the Department of Information and Mass Communications (DIMC) of the Russian Defense Ministry.
"In the near future, we will receive weapons, deliveries will begin next year," the deputy head of the Defense Ministry said.
According to the ministry, in 2021, the first 10 Mi-8AMTSh-VN helicopters will be delivered to the troops, including for army aviation brigades working in the interests of the Airborne Forces. Now the first prototype of this machine is being tested at the flight test center of the National Center for Helicopter Construction (NCV) named after Mil and Kamov.
The Defense Ministry said that on Thursday Krivoruchko visited the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant (U-UAZ) of the Russian Helicopters holding company (part of Rostec), where the Mi-8AMTSh-VN, other modifications of the Mi-8 helicopter, as well as multi-purpose Ka-226T are produced.
"Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant has established itself as a reliable, proven supplier of the Russian Ministry of Defense. The obligations assumed within the framework of the state defense order are fulfilled ahead of the established deadlines, the company produces equipment, the quality of which is tested in real combat conditions," Krivoruchko said.
As reported by "Interfax", in June last year at the forum "Army-2019" the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and "Russian Helicopters" signed a contract for the supply of 10 Mi-8AMTSh-VN modifications for special operations forces (SSO).
On July 22, 2020, the holding company announced the beginning of flight tests of this machine, the first stage of which was planned to be completed in November, and in the future to connect two more helicopters to flights.
Mi-8AMTSh-VN in the new modification is designed for landing, fire support of troops and special operations. the helicopter is equipped with high-altitude engines of increased power, a new carrier system, an expanded composition of weapons and enhanced protection.
